The proliferation of digital misinformation and disinformation in West Africa presents challenges to regional stability, democratic processes and social cohesion. The digital landscape across the region’s fifteen states exhibits varying levels of development and faces unique challenges in maintaining information integrity. This evaluation focuses on developing a model policy framework aligned to UNESCO’s Guidelines that can address these challenges while promoting responsible digital governance and social cohesion. The scope of this project encompasses all West African states and considers both digital and traditional information channels.
Research agenda
- Develop a human rights-based policy framework, covering both the issues of countering the spread of disinformation and hate speech on the one hand, and advancing reliable information as a public good on the other.
- Design platform governance standards specifically for elections and crises
- Provide recommendations for strengthening public access to information.
